And just like that, it's August, and whilst July should have been a month of linen dresses and barely-there sandals, it turned out to be more than a little dreary. Don't get me wrong—this summer has had spells of sun and the odd day of near-perfect temperatures, but chances are you've carried an umbrella more than your sun cream, which calls into question what we've been planning for our August wardrobes.
If you've found yourself debating whether to layer up in knits or brave the chill in summer dresses, we've put together a handy guide on how to dress for a cold-girl summer, but the other thing to take into consideration is what to wear on our feet once the outfit is perfected. After getting caught in the rain in sandals one too many times, I turned to Instagram for some tips on the best shoes to wear this summer, and I'm pleased to say the answer is simple: faithful, reliable and ever-comfortable trainers.
Let's be honest, there's no outfit that a good pair of trainers can't improve (except for perhaps formal wear), and whether you're running errands or heading out to dinner, there's a trainer style to suit every mood. The latest pairs to hit the market have been some of this year's biggest shoe releases. Personally, I'm still thinking about Grace Wales Bonner's latest collab with Adidas, and I've spent way too much time Googling rare Samba colourways.
But even for the non-sneakerheads amongst us, we can all agree that trainers are arguably the comfiest and easiest shoes you can reach for when you get ready in the morning. It's no wonder that everyone from influencers to editors are ready to trade in flat sandals for something a little sportier this summer.
But if you still haven't found the perfect pair for you, no worries. I've taken the stress out of trainer shopping and searched high and low for the latest pairs of trainers that come fashion-editor approved, so you don't have to. So if you're looking for a pair of trainers that will have you covered come rain or shine, keep scrolling for the best fashion trainers to wear from summer into autumn. You won't regret it.
1. COLOUR-POP BRIGHTS
Style Notes: It goes without saying that brights come into their own in summer, and this applies to your shoes too. Take notes from Lucy Williams and bring a monochrome outfit to life with a burst of colour from a pair of colour-pop trainers that'll put a spring into every step.
SHOP BRIGHT TRAINERS:
A cult classic in the making.
Such a happy shade of sunshine yellow.
This colour would look so good with a white dress.
*Adds to basket*.
There's a good reason Gucci rereleases these trainers in different colours.
2. PLIMSOLLS
Style Notes: Minimalists who are looking for something a little more understated will be happy to see the return of plimsolls. After the last few years of platform soles, prints and just about all of the bells and whistles, this simple trainer style is a welcome palette cleanser.
SHOP PLIMSOLLS:
Superga is the influencer's choice for pared-back trainers.
How good is that sole?
No logos, no prints, just quiet nod to luxury.
Good shoes at a great price.
The leather finish makes a nice touch.
3. DAD SNEAKERS
Style Notes: Our love for "ugly shoes" still runs deep, and if you aren't drawn to colour-pop trainers or simple plimsolls, it's likely you might also be an ugly-shoe lover. The premise is simple—any trainers that your dad (or grandad) is likely to pick up are now ironically cool, and they pair especially well with jeans and a knit.
SHOP DAD SNEAKERS:
New Balance always nails retro silhouettes.
Salomons are everywhere this year.
Certified dad shoes.
With a few good collaborations under its belt, I predict that 2023 is going to be a good year for Asics.
Wear with everything from joggers to pretty dresses.
4. WHITE SPORTS TRAINERS
Style Notes: Thanks to the off-duty wardrobes of Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, Emily Ratajkowski and Bella Hadid, everyone has been investing in leggings, white socks and sporty sneakers again, and the '90s athleisure look is more popular than ever. If you're looking for an airport outfit that ticks all the boxes, look no further than Coco Flo's take on sporty chic (pictured above). You can never go wrong with white trainers, after all.
SHOP WHITE TRAINERS:
The perfect shape and fit.
On your marks, get set, run.
These all-white Salomons score high on my list too.
Put your best fashion foot forward.
Trainers designed for working up a sweat.
5. RETRO HIGH-TOPS
Style Notes: I'd be willing to bet that at some stage in your life you've had a pair of classic Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars in your wardrobe. The appeal of the high-top is far reaching, and whether your prefer a pair of slim-fit Chucks or chunky Jordans, it's well worth having an ankle-covering pair in your arsenal for cropped jeans and trousers, especially when autumn rolls around.
SHOP HIGH-TOPS:
The All Stars are a classic for a reason.
Just add a pair of white tube socks.
I love this unpredictable shade of ecru.
The cool-girl's choice.
This summer's hottest colour? Buttermilk yellow, and these are the perfect way to channel it on your feet.
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